In recent years, the concept of One Nation One Election has become a topic of debate, with the Indian government’s idea of holding simultaneous elections for states and the central government drawing a lot of attention.
What Is One Nation, One Election?
One Nation One Election simply means holding Lok Sabha and state assembly elections simultaneously. Holding elections at different times leads to a lot of political disruptions and logistical challenges. The cost of holding the elections is highest during the election period. Though this method was introduced since the beginning of independence, it has attracted serious attention only in recent times.
The Rationale Behind One Nation One Election
Cost efficiency
The main reason for holding simultaneous elections is to save money on election costs because in India elections cost a lot like printing of ballot papers, security and administrative resources. The logic goes that if all elections are held simultaneously then billions of rupees of the country can be saved.
Reduced Political Disruption
If elections are held from time to time then it leads to political instability and distraction from governance. By holding elections from time to time resources often get diverted from governance to election campaigning. The logic goes that if elections are held simultaneously then political parties will focus more on the development of the country and less on election campaigning.
Improved Voter Turnout
If voters are asked to vote from time to time then they may get tired and if elections are held once in five years then voter turnout percentage and voter participation in this great festival of democracy will increase.
The Potential Benefits of One Nation One Election
Streamlined Governance
By conducting elections once in 5 years, there will be political stability in the country and the country will focus more on development and the country will not always be in election mode, this is good for the country as well as for the voters.
Cost savings
With time, elections have become expensive. Conducting elections in the country affects all kinds of arrangements like printing of ballot papers, security arrangements and even the cost of conducting the elections and if simultaneous elections are held in India, then the financial burden on the country will also be reduced a lot.
More focus on national issues
By conducting simultaneous elections, the goal of the voters will be clear, this can lead to a more uniform approach to solve the problems of the country and political parties will also raise all kinds of problems which is very good for the voters and the country.
The Challenges of One Nation One Election
The idea of holding simultaneous elections sounds and looks great but there are many challenges in it.
Federalism concerns
India is a federal country where the powers of the state and central government are divided according to their respective rules. Implementation of One Nation One Election can reduce the powers of the state government and this system can eliminate the base of small regional political parties.
Logistical complexities
Due to the large population in India, the scale of elections becomes very large and to conduct simultaneous elections, coordination is required between all the election related parties such as Election Commission, political parties and local authorities. Along with this, sufficient polling staff and sufficient resources are required to conduct simultaneous elections in such a large country.
Interruption in political cycles
Conducting simultaneous elections can disrupt the electoral cycle of state governments. States have their own issues and they have to pay attention to local issues as much as possible. If simultaneous elections are held, the views of voters and state governments may be the same which is not favorable for the state.
Global Examples: What Can We Learn?
Some other countries in the world also follow One Nation One Election system of simultaneous elections like Germany conducts national and state elections at the same time while Mexico conducts local and state elections simultaneously. This election system has streamlined the election process but they have their own problems.
The Legal and Constitutional Hurdles
Several constitutional amendments will be needed to make One Nation, One Election a reality. The Constitution of India currently allows for separate timelines for central and state elections, and this will require broad discussion and broad consensus in Parliament. It will also decide what will be the arrangement in case the government falls prematurely in a state. The complexities of this law will keep on arising over time.
Public Opinion: A Divided Response
As with every proposal, there are supporters and opponents of the One Nation, One Election proposal. Those in favour argue that the proposal will reduce the cost of conducting elections in the country and the country will not be subject to periodic elections, while opponents say the proposal will centralize power too much at the national level and undermine the country’s federal structure, sidelining regional issues.
What’s the Future of One Nation One Election?
The issue of one nation one election is a controversial issue in Indian politics. Although recently the government has gained momentum on this issue, but still many protests, concerns etc. have to be faced.
As the number of voters is increasing and the cost of elections is increasing, we hope that the government and the opposition will find a solution to this issue someday.
Conclusion
The debate on One Nation One Election in India is not over yet. As the country progresses and time passes, the debate on this issue will continue.
Do you also want Lok Sabha and Assembly elections to be held together? Please share your views in the comments below.
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